[.ca] Choral Wks

Loving performances of a distinctive composer:
With this disc, Chandos provides a decent introduction to the lyrical and sometimes quirky choral music of Gerald Finzi. As might be expected, The Finzi Singers produce loving renditions of works great and small, in which a good balance of sacred and secular texts (some by renowned poets) is created. The unaccompanied works speak very much for themselves, and when the organ appears it is finely played. Not everyone will find the disc to their taste- for a twentieth century composer, Finzi seems more at home writing in the style of the partsongs of the previous century and this leads to some works sounding pedestrian or uninteresting. Then again, some works can take you by surprise, especially the concluding track, "Lo, the full final sacrifice", in which the intensity, languidity, joy and sadness of all the previous tracks seem to be brought together in an astounding single piece. The performances are generally faultless. I believe this disc would make a fine Christmas gift- for lovers of choral music in particular.

Gorgeous compositions and performances:
This recording will definitely boost your seratonin levels. Some of Finzi's most transcendentally beautiful -- yet also quite accessible -- pieces are presented here. Even the secular texts chosen by this composer tend to have a mystical quality about them, and this aspect is also usually evident in Finzi's harmonic approach. The Finzi Singers approach these compositions with such enthusiasm and obvious love for the music that you can't help but feel your heart swell and the occasional tear come to your eye. They sing with excellent ensemble and dynamics, and offer a vocal sound that seems well suited to the material. The recording is finely done, with a proper balance of natural reverberation. On a crisp autumn morning, there could hardly be a better disc with which to begin the day.

• God Is Gone Up, Op. 27, No. 2
• Welcome Sweet And Sacred Feast, Op. 27, No. 3
• Three Short Elegies, Op.5: Life A Right Shadow Is
• Three Short Elegies, Op.5: This World A Huntin Is
• Three Short Elegies, Op.5: This Life, Which Seems So Fair
• Thou Didst Delight My Eyes, Op. 32
• My Lovely One, Op. 27, No. 1
• Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, Op. 35
• Seven Partsongs, Op. 17: I Praise The Tender Flower
• Seven Partsongs, Op. 17: I Have Loved Flowers That Fade
• Seven Partsongs, Op. 17: My Spirit Sang All Day
• Seven Partsongs, Op. 17: Clear And Gentle Stream
• Seven Partsongs, Op. 17: Nightingales
• Seven Partsongs, Op. 17: Haste On, My Joys!
• Seven Partsongs, Op. 17: Wherefore Tonight So Full Of Care
• Magnificat, Op. 36
• White-Flowering Days, Op. 37
• All This Night, Op. 33
• Lo, The Full, Final Sacrifice, Op. 26